Polskie Forum Entomologiczne

While in nature the larva takes a maximum of four years to become full-grown, this can be shortened in captivity to a single year. As Cossus larvae can effortlessly bite through wood, the tightly closing rearing container should be of glass, hard plastic or metal. Slices of wholemeal bread (white bread results in losses, especially of the young larvae) are placed on a layer of sawdust or peat at the bottom of the container. Halved apples are then placed face downwards on the bread. The species has also been reared successfully on slices of beet (Beta vulgaris). In general, mould does not harm the larger larvae. Cannibalism has not been observed.